LETTERS: Jex Addition residents unhappy
To the Editor:
We recently attended a city council meeting to express our concerns as residents of Jex Addition regarding the truck route in our neighborhood.
As homeowners, we were all reassured that the truck parking that Darryl Brewer wanted to put in at the south end would not be a burden or problem — "out of site and out of mind." The city allowed a permit for this to occur if he (and his customers) used Burbridge street as the designated truck route.
The railroad has now decided to shut the Burbridge entrance down. Brewer now sees fit to have a truck route in our neighborhood.
This morning we were graced with the first truck to drive through at 6:15 a.m. (after letting the truck run to warm up, of course).
Brewer also requested "the residents not to be able to park vehicles on one side of the road," addressing the council about the narrowness of our streets. (Anyone down here for Old Settlers' Day knows the narrowness of the streets and lack of sidewalks). A semi truck and trailer does not allow for adequate traffic in the area.
The city is trying to have the railroad pay "the cost of accommodating Mr. Brewer."
It does not take rocket science to know they will not absorb the cost of widening streets, appropriate curb and gutter, drainage, and sidewalks.
We have at least 10 children in a two-block radius — can you see small children on bikes quick enough to stop a loaded semi? We will now only have one way in and out which will cause further congestion. This community has a lot of people who walk and utilize this area.
When these issues were brought up, Mayor Olsen felt it necessary to stop any further discussion until legal issues could be discussed as Brewer is threatening a lawsuit.
We are mortified that this has even come to be an issue as the permit was given with stipulations. We have signs in the north entrance clearly stating NO TRUCKS EXCEPT FOR LOCAL DELIVERY.
Our city ordinance clearly states no truck routes in residential areas. The squeaky wheel clearly is getting the oil here.
Roger Schwab tried to discuss the zoning issue and was shot down by council.
This city has clearly neglected our truck drivers. It would be much cheaper to find a place in Industrial Park to "put gravel down" as Brewer has done, than to pay for bringing the streets to code for a truck route.
Safety in this community needs to be a priority.
Mayor Olson spent more time on micromanaging our police and city crews about snow removal (to the point of many sighs and heads shaking, not only from the audience but the other council members) than was allowed on a issue that clearly IS a problem.
Grant Street and Jex Addition Homeowners
Leah Schmidt
Alan Meisinger
Amy Helmer
Scot and Brandi Williams
Lloyd and Linda Meyers
Crystal and Cowan Chumbley
Chad and Michelle Adkins
